Decision on 'Apple Map Export' Postponed to December

Map Export Review Council Extends Review by 60 Days
"Further Assessment Needed on National Security Impact"

The government has postponed its decision on Apple's application to export high-precision maps from South Korea, extending the review period by two more months. The authorities explained that they need to further assess the implications for national security and the broader impact on domestic industries. The new deadline is December 8, 2025.

The National Geographic Information Institute under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on September 4, "The review period for Apple's application, submitted on June 16, to export a nationwide 1:5,000 scale commercial digital map will be extended by 60 days." Apple had made a similar request in February 2023, but the government rejected it at that time, citing national security concerns.

A logo is attached in front of an Apple Store in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This extension was decided during a meeting of the "Map Export Review Council," presided over by the head of the National Geographic Information Institute. The council includes representatives from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the National Intelligence Service, and one civilian member.

During the meeting, participants agreed that, as with Google's previous map export application, it is necessary to conduct a more in-depth review of the potential impact on national security and domestic industries.

The government had also delayed its decision on Google's high-precision map export application, submitted in February, by extending the review period twice-once in May and again in August-each time by 60 days.

Google has faced criticism for not having servers located in South Korea, making it difficult to respond immediately if issues such as the exposure of secure facilities arise. In contrast, Apple is considered to be in a relatively favorable position in terms of response, as it operates servers within the country.

Going forward, the government plans to gather additional input from relevant agencies before making a final decision on whether to permit the export of the maps.